Snoop Dogg has long been a fan of reggae music, but his recent moves have tested the devotion of fans. Using the name Snoop Lion, the rapper has re-invented himself with a new studio album set to be released later this year.

Gaining widespread attention, the decision has brought no small measure of derision from some quarters. Now reggae legend Bunny Wailer - once close to Bob Marley - has stepped in to blast the rapper.

Continuing, the reggae legend argued that the hip hop star should meet the “contractual, moral and verbal commitments” that come with Rastafarianism. Elsewhere, Rastafari group The Ethio-Africa Diaspora Union Millennium Council have also hit out at the rapper. Demanding that the hip hop star give up the 'Lion' aspect of his name, the Council have written a seven page letter to Snoop Dogg.

According to the Council, “smoking weed and loving Bob Marley and reggae music is not what defines the Rastafari Indigenous Culture!”